The Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing Recipe For Fall

Autumn whispers sweet promises through these delectable pumpkin sugar cookies that blend comforting spices with delicate frosting.

Crisp mornings invite warm kitchen adventures and nostalgic baking moments.

Soft orange-tinted dough promises delightful seasonal treats that dance between classic cookie charm and festive flair.

Warm vanilla and subtle pumpkin notes create an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Delicate icing transforms simple cookies into elegant dessert masterpieces that spark conversation and smiles.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making these cookies perfect for weekend baking or spontaneous treat creation.

Whip up a batch and watch magic unfold on your cookie plate.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, creamy base that adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor to the cookies.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the pumpkin and add depth of flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, sweet background flavor.
• Milk, Powdered Sugar, Melted Butter: Essential components for creating a smooth, glossy icing.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for adding color to the icing.

How To Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until they become fluffy and light. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything merges smoothly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Gently press each cookie down with a spoon to create a slightly flattened shape.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Slide baking sheets into a preheated oven at 350F (175C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn golden brown. Let cookies rest on baking sheets briefly before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Create Smooth Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Add food coloring if desired for a pop of color.

Step 6: Decorate Cookies

Once cookies have completely cooled, spread a delicate layer of icing across the top of each cookie.

Step 7: Savor and Share

Serve these warm, spiced cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage and enjoy!

Pro Tips For Baking Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor.
• Chill Dough Trick: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain shape.
• Soften Butter Smartly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve perfect creamy consistency.
• Control Icing Thickness: Add milk gradually to icing to adjust thickness for smooth, even cookie coverage.
• Store Strategically: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Flavorful Variations Of Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Autumn Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use plant-based milk for icing to create dairy-free cookies.
• Spiced Maple Alternative: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup and add extra warm spices like cardamom for a rich, deep flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and reduce overall sugar content for a healthier dessert option.

Perfect Pairings For Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

• Pair Warm Spiced Chai: Complement the pumpkin cookies with a rich, spicy chai latte that echoes the warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the cookies.
• Brew Smooth Caramel Macchiato: Create a delightful contrast with a creamy caramel macchiato that balances the cookie's sweetness and adds a luxurious coffee undertone.
• Serve Crisp Apple Cider: Highlight the autumn-inspired flavors by pairing the cookies with a chilled, slightly tangy apple cider that brings out the pumpkin's earthiness.
• Match Vanilla Bean Milk: Offer a classic, comforting drink that softens the cookie's spices and provides a cool, smooth backdrop to the sweet treat.

How To Store Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

• Store iced cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Place uniced cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer, lasting up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before icing.
• Carefully stack iced cookies with parchment paper between each, seal in freezer-safe container, and store for 2 months; let thaw in refrigerator overnight.
• Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and maintain their delightful texture.

FAQs About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing

• How do I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?

The key is to not overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just lightly golden, and they’ll stay soft and tender.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This can actually enhance the flavor and make the cookies more tender.

• What if my icing is too thick or thin?

If the icing is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, gradually mix in more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Why Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing Are A Sweet Treat

• Celebrate Seasonal Flavors: Infuse your baking with warm, comforting pumpkin spice that captures the essence of autumn in every delightful bite.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn an easy cookie recipe that requires basic mixing and minimal kitchen skills, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Create a sweet treat that works beautifully for family gatherings, potlucks, school events, or cozy afternoon snacking with friends.
• Customize with Creativity: Personalize the icing by adding different colors or sprinkles, making these cookies a fun baking project for kids and adults alike.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With Icing Recipe

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• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal magic comes alive in these delightful Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with creamy icing, blending autumn’s warmth with sweet nostalgia. Crisp edges, tender centers, and rich pumpkin flavor invite you to savor fall’s most charming dessert bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Create a creamy base by whipping softened butter and granulated sugar until they become light and airy.
3. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until thoroughly combined.
4. In a separate container, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Merge the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated without overmixing.
6. Portion rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, gently flattening each with the back of a spoon.
7. Slide the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges.
8. Remove cookies from oven and let them rest on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Craft a smooth icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until glossy and uniform.
10. Optional: Add food coloring to customize the icing’s appearance.
11. Once cookies have cooled entirely, spread a delicate layer of icing across the surface of each cookie.
12. Serve and savor these spiced pumpkin treats alongside your favorite warm beverage.

Notes

• Perfectly cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the authentic pumpkin flavor and prevent excess moisture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more defined cookie shape.
• Adjust spices according to personal preference, adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg for a more intense fall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg